Teach English in Japan

If you are from South Africa and you have a degree, it is significantly easier for you to get a job teaching in Japan. Schools are eager to work with native English speakers as it contributes tremendously to the learning process of students.

If you’re passionate about teaching and you want the vibrant lights and the wonderful sights of Japan’s ancient culture, keep reading. In this article, we are going to give you an insider guide to teaching English in Japan for foreigners.

Why is teaching in Japan so popular?

Many people are drawn to Japan and being an English teacher is the best opportunity to move to Japan. English teaching jobs in Japan also have some of the best compensation packages in Asia as a whole. Salaries are respectable, and many teachers love teaching in Japan so much that they stay for years and make a career out of it. If teaching is your thing Japan is the place to go.

Qualifications South Africans Need to Work in Japan in 2024

So, what does it take for the Japanese society to hand you the responsible task of educating their children? Before you book your flight to the land of the rising sun, here is a list of the qualifications you’ll need to cover to land a teaching job in Japan. Keep in mind that these are almost always required, as the Japanese Board of Education expects them from prospective teachers.

Be a Native Speaker

We believe this goes without saying, but teaching another language only works if you’re proficient at it. That’s why Japan is pretty strict about hiring natives. Luckily for you are from South Africa and you are considered to be a native speaker if you speak English.

Bachelor’s Degree 

A Bachelor’s degree is usually required for most full-time teaching positions in Japan. Yes you will need a bachelor’s degree. However, it doesn’t have to be majoring in English or Education, but it is required that you have a degree. Yes, your culinary arts degree can get you a job in Japan.

Clean Criminal Record

Japan is very strict about letting only people with spotless criminal records work with children. It doesn’t only apply to teaching; the same goes for any foreigner trying to work in Japan. So, if you’re interested in education, make sure your record is clean.

English Certification

Though not needed everywhere, getting your TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification can be a big help to you landing a teaching job in Japan. Especially if applying for a competitive spot, for example at an international school. It will also give you the confidence needed to get started on the first day. SO even though it is optional at this point I would say don’ delay to start an online TEFL course today. I would appreciate it you used our link as it would generate income for the website. However, if you think you can get a better deal somewhere else, go for it, but do note that our link will give you a great discount.

So to recap if you are a South African you can definitely get a teaching job if you:

1.  Speak English
2. Have a degree in anything
3. Have a clean criminal record
4. Get TEFL/TESOL certified

2024 Teaching Jobs in Japan

There are two hiring seasons. One is just before the school year starts in April, from January to March, and the other is just before September, between June and August. These are the best times to find a job in Japan with a direct-hire school, Board of Education, international school, conversation school, or even with dispatch companies.

How to Apply for a Job in Japan from South Africa in 2024

Usually, getting a job in Japan would be a lot easier if you started applying when you’re already in the country. However, here are some options for applying from South Africa.

 Go Overseas Teaching Board

This is one of the best places to start. It’s specifically created for native English Speakers who want to teach abroad. New jobs are posted daily, and there are many resources regarding qualifications, such as the TEFL and TOEFL. There are also online programs if you would like to teach online before going for the real thing.

 Gaijinpot

Gaijinpot is for a more advanced job hunt. It offers more competitive spots amongst which you can even find private schools or higher education as well. There are also many resources about health insurance, work policy in Japan, finding a place to stay, and everything you would need to know as a foreigner trying to teach English in Japan. And if you go through the website and still have questions, an active forum might give you answers.

Japan English Teacher

This option is simpler to use. The interface reminds me of job listings in a newspaper with contact information and some vague job details. You won’t find any additional resources, just job offers. However, it’s hassle-free and easy for exploitation.

 Daijob

Daijob is perfect for you if you’re looking to build a long-term career in Japan as an English Teacher. It has a lot of job offers and a lot of professional advice from people with experience in the Japanese Education System. It even offers fantastic networking opportunities as it encourages you to create a profile and apply for their “Scout” section, which potential employers would see. Daijob is the dream for aspiring professionals.

Sendai English

Last but not least, this website shows job availability in Sendai and Miyagi Japan. Moving to Tokyo can be a lot of fun, but the experience you can have in the rural parts of Japan can be unmatched by anything else in Japan.

Conclusion

If you are from South Africa and teaching is your passion, and you want to experience another culture, consider applying for an English teaching job in Japan. Immerse yourself in the impressive skyscrapers that perfectly blend into Japan’s ancient culture while doing what you love. If you want to learn about teaching opportunities in other countries, you can learn more here.

Please note that Japan currently has entry restrictions. Keep up to date with government information.